Montclair Schools Delay Reopen Plan: ‘Community Spread Of COVID’ – Patch.com

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair’s public schools are bumping back their plan to restart in-person classes yet again due to a recent “community spread” of the coronavirus, officials said.

The district was one of several in Essex County that decided to start the school year with all-online classes due to the COVID-19 crisis. School administrators originally planned to reopen with a hybrid model – including some in-person learning – for grades pre-K to 5 on Nov. 9, and for grades 6 to 12 about two weeks later.

After a case of the coronavirus was confirmed at Watchung Elementary School, administrators delayed the restart plan in late October, setting a new date of Nov. 16 for younger grades and Nov. 30 for higher grades.

Now, that date has been delayed again, officials said Wednesday.

According to Superintendent Jonathan Ponds, the district will have to continue with all-online classes “until it’s safe to change course.”

In Montclair, there have been 690 cumulative cases of COVID-19 and 52 deaths as of Wednesday, according to Essex County’s most recent totals.

Ponds released a video explaining the decision, which can be seen here. His full letter to the school community follows below:

“Based on regional risk factors and in close consultation with the Montclair Health Department, our school doctor and medical team, we are unable to commence in-person instruction on November 16. Unfortunately, the data I received this morning demonstrates an increase in community spread of COVID-19. It is with a heavy heart that we must continue with fully remote instruction for all students until it is safe to change course. The health of our community, students and staff is paramount and pausing our hybrid plan at this time is in the best interest of public health due to the increase in the rate of infection.

“Until this morning, it was still considered safe to begin in-person instruction. I know this change is disappointing news for many of you. I understand your concerns on both a professional and personal level, as schedules and routines are being disrupted. Rest assured that we will continue to do everything in our capacity to keep our work on schedule for when it is safe to conduct in-person teaching and learning. Of course, we will continue to work with our Montclair Education Association to meet the needs of our most at-risk children. Likewise, we will continue the fall sports season, as circumstances permit, following safety and health procedures.

“Unfortunately, I cannot predict when the risk factors will be at a level which would allow for safe in-person instruction. However, December 1, I will be reevaluating the situation and will keep everyone in the loop.

“Thank you for your patience in these trying times. Please remember the best way to lower our local infection rates is to follow best practices that we know help prevent the spread: wearing masks, washing hands, and social distancing. I remain steadfast and determined to implement the hybrid model as soon as it is safe to do so.”